Harbin BZK-005

The BZK-005 high-altitude, long-range UAV is a reconnaissance aircraft designed by Beijing University of Aeronautics & Astronautics and Harbin Aircraft Industry (Group) Co., Ltd. It is used by the PLA Navy and PLA Air Force.

BZK-005
Role HALE (high altitude long endurance) UAV
National origin PRC
Manufacturer Harbin Aircraft Industry (Group) Co., Ltd.
Designer Beijing University of Aeronautics & Astronautics
Primary user People's Liberation Army

Overview

At Zhuhai International Airshow 2006, video and models were demonstrated to the public regarding this UAV. BZK-005 has a few stealth features integrated into its design.[1] It is believed that a satellite data link antenna is held in its large upper body dome.[2] Under the body there is an optic-electric sensor system which is believed to be its main sensor.[3] It is expected that BZK-005 has cruising speed of around 170 km/h, service ceiling 8,000 m, max takeoff weight is around 1,200 kg, max payload over 150 kg.

Service history

The BZK-005 is in service with the People's Liberation Army Navy and People's Liberation Army Air Force. It may be known as "Sea Eagle" in PLAN service and "Giant Eagle" in PLAAF service.[3]

In August 2011, a BZK-005 crashed into a farm field close to Xingtai, He Bei province. Photos of the wreckage were posted on various Chinese internet websites.[4]

In April 2019, the BZK-005 was confirmed to be used by the Chinese military in conducting maritime surveillance over the East China Sea. The UAV was intercepted by the Japan Air Self-Defence Force in a scramble alert after violating Japanese air space.[5]

Operators
 People's Republic of China

Specifications

General characteristics

  • Crew: None
  • Capacity: 150 kg (331 lb) payload
  • Max takeoff weight: 1,250 kg (2,756 lb)

Performance

  • Cruise speed: 150–180 km/h (93–112 mph, 81–97 kn)
  • Endurance: 40 hours
  • Service ceiling: 8,000 m (26,000 ft)

See also

References
  1. Wong, Edward. (2013, September 21). "Hacking U.S. Secrets, China Pushes for Drones," The New York Times, p.A1 ff.
  2. http://www.flightglobal.com/blogs/the-dewline/2009/10/chinas-global-hawk-revealed.html
  3. Joe, Rick. "China's Growing High-End Military Drone Force". thediplomat.com. The Diplomat. Retrieved 27 November 2019.
  4. "BZK-005 UAV, AirForceWorld.com". AirForceWorld.com. Archived from the original on 20 October 2011. Retrieved 25 Aug 2011.
  5. "平成３０年度３四半期までの緊急発進実施状況について" (PDF). Ministry of Defence, Joint Staff Press Release. Retrieved 26 Sep 2019.
  6. Rupprecht, Andreas. Modern Chinese Warplanes:Chinese Air Force - Aircraft and Units. Harpia Publishing. p. 106. ISBN 978-09973092-6-3.
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